Uncovering the Genetic Blueprint for Weight Loss: How Your Unique Genes Shape Your Optimal Diet Plan

Are you constantly trying new diets or following the latest celebrity diet to shed a few pounds, or have you perhaps given up and opted for the jab? Not all eating plans are the same, and there's no universal solution. Keto and parts of paleo don't work for many people with the FTO, STAT3, APOA2 genes. If you have any of these genetic variants, consuming a high-fat diet might lead to weight gain. Avoid following eating plans that don't align with your genetic makeup. Numerous studies have shown that a variant in the FTO gene is linked to a higher risk of obesity. Fortunately, physical activity has been proven to reduce this risk by up to 75% in those carrying the gene (Reddon et al. 2016). Although some skeptics dismiss genetic-based eating, I can personally attest to its effectiveness even before knowing my genetic profile. The FTO gene affects weight management and body composition and is known as the "fat mass and obesity-associated gene." This gene influences metabolic rate, energy expenditure, and energy balance and is expressed in brain regions involved in regulating energy intake. Current research indicates that specific dietary and physical activity recommendations can significantly aid in weight loss and maintenance for individuals with certain FTO gene variants.

The Nutrigenomix test kit examines the FTO variant to identify which clients need to pay attention to their consumption of saturated and unsaturated fats to aid weight loss. Clients with the AA and TA

genotypes of FTO show better responses to weight loss diets that are higher in PUFAs and lower in saturated fats. Protein is crucial for muscle development, wound healing, healthy hair and skin, and immune function. Individuals with the FTO gene benefit from a high protein diet, which aids in weight loss and keeps you feeling full.

The APOA2 gene instructs the body to produce a specific protein called apolipoprotein A-II, which plays a significant role in lipid metabolism. Variations in the APOA2 gene within the human population interact with saturated fat intake to affect body mass index (BMI) and obesity. Populations with the CC genotype performed comparatively lower than those with the TC and TT genotypes. These findings support the functional impact of the APOA2 variant on the levels of APOA2 in circulation. In the Boston-Puerto Rican Centers on Population Health and Health Disparities Study (930 Hispanics of Caribbean origin), saturated fat intake and BMI were more strongly linked among individuals with the CC genotype than those with the TC and TT genotypes. The population was then divided into two groups based on the approximate average level of saturated fat intake, 22 g per day. For those consuming less than 22 g of saturated fat daily, there was no significant association between the APOA2 variant and BMI. Among those consuming more than 22 g of saturated fat per day, the CC genotype was associated with an approximately 4.3% higher BMI than the TC and TT genotype group.

The Nutrigenomix test kit analyzes the APOA2 variant to evaluate the risk of obesity linked to saturated fat intake. Populations with the CC genotype are at an increased risk of obesity when saturated fat intake is high, so it is recommended to limit saturated fat intake to less than 10% of total energy to reduce the risk of obesity.

Finally, STAT3 is crucial in regulating body weight and glucose homeostasis, both significant factors in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Dietary fat is an essential environmental element that can interact with genotype to influence MetS risk. Additionally, understanding your genetic predispositions to obesity and insulin resistance can assist you in monitoring and optimizing your lifestyle to develop and maintain a diet suited to your genetic profile. It's important not to fall for the trends promoted by social media or Hollywood. You are unique and should eat according to your personalized design.